"There's a phone call for you. It's MICKEY." American Idols and Anniversaries! DONE!

[Mickey_Mom]

Argh! Isn't plane fare crazy!?!? Can you drive? That really does suck. What about last minute fares? Can you book it and wait and see? Can I pretend to be Lou? Seriously, that sucks.

 

[jenseib]

I got one too, but it's goo for the latter part of Aptil and parts of may and June I think. I think it expires tomorrow, so we won't be able to use it.

 

[ZeroToHero]

Argh! Isn't plane fare crazy!?!? Can you drive? That really does suck. What about last minute fares? Can you book it and wait and see? Can I pretend to be Lou? Seriously, that sucks.

Hahaha, if you think you can pull off the hair, you can be Lou.

And it's awful! The cheapest I found today was 230$ roundtrip.... still too much, he says, even though that's 200 dollars cheaper than the other ones I was seeing.

Neither of us have licenses, unfortunately, otherwise I would be willing to make the drive! I wonder how long it takes to learn....

Sigh. I want to goooo!!!!!!!

And Jen - awww, that sucks.. Quick, book a trip for just you! Then disappear without telling anyone where you're going.

 

[elphie101]

She livessssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got a pin code in the mail too, but I didn't pay attention to it once I saw that it didn't involve our dates in August......

I also got an e-mail from Disney confirming that I got my free vacation planning DVD - WHICH I DID NOT! Quite annoyed with that, as I was really looking forward to it and now, since they think I already have it, I don't know when I'll get it.

.......looks like we have pretty darn similar tickers

 

[jenseib]

I've ordered 3 DVC disc and have yet to get a single one! LOL!

 

[ZeroToHero]

Hahaha - if you want, you can borrow mine, since I walk past your house every day on my way to class...... I think I have two. I bet your neighbors stole it!

Jen, I would offer the same, except I don't walk past your house every day on the way to class.... so it would be a little harder to get it to you.

 

[elphie101]

Hahaha - if you want, you can borrow mine, since I walk past your house every day on my way to class...... I think I have two. I bet your neighbors stole it!

That WOULD make sense, considering there's a key broken off in our mailbox so technically, anyone can get into it. Although why someone would want to steal a Disney DVD that's FREE is beyond me.

I would completely love to borrow a DVD from you m'dear

 

[jenseib]

Oh, you can't make a detour through Northwest OHIO??? What a bummer! LOL!

 

[ZeroToHero]

Here it is! The long-awaited Lou's Version of the tale! He said he left out some of the stuff I already covered, so he could have it ready before I leave (I'm going to a seminar for school for the rest of the week)

My comments are in parenthesis, after my name.

Enjoy!


Lou:
After waking up, I knew I wasn’t going to eat anything, so I decide to just start getting ready. I had to warm up somewhere before the audition, otherwise, there was no way I was going to sound good enough to make it. So, I got into the shower and started doing some warm-up drills.

I do not quite know how to describe them, but they are essentially scales and modified scales with different vowels. After doing scale warm-ups for over 5 minutes, I started to sing my audition song, “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain. The reason I chose this song is because it highlights my baritone range perfectly, especially during the chorus. There was only one problem, when I got to the chorus, my voice would crack!!!!! Apparently it was so loud, and bad, that Danica could hear it from the kitchen. Needless to say, I was a bit worried, what if I cracked during my audition??? Anyways, when I got out of the shower, Danica gave me a look which essentially let me know that she heard the cracks too, so I took some honey and cough medicine before we left.

We got there a little later than we did the first day we went to Hollywood Studios, so the American Idol audition station was already inside the park. When we entered the park, we went right over to the station and I was asked if I would like to audition. I said yes and had to wait for one other girl in front of me. The set-up was pretty simple, just the singer and one judge who stood there and listened to you. I assume the girl in front of me did not make it, because I did not see her the rest of the day. It was my turn now, I introduced myself to the judge, who I must say was a pretty nice guy, and told him where I was from and where I went to school. After that, it was go time. I was still nervous because I didn’t know what was going to happen when I sang the chorus, but it was too late now. I either looked away from the judge or shut my eyes for most of the audition (I find it more embarrassing to sing in front of a small number of people and easier to sing in front of a large group). Apparently I nailed it because I was going to the next round of auditions!!!

The walk over was pretty cool, the man leading us was telling everybody, “Make way, American Idols coming through.” We got to see the park before anybody else was allowed in and made our way to the Coca-Cola lounge. There, we were treated to a pre-recorded message (there were a lot of these) from Ryan Seacrest. Next, we were given karaoke iPods to practice the song(s) we were going to audition with. I knew I was going to do “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” by the Temptations, so I was joking around, singing “Your Song” by Elton John (which was my second choice) in a funny Elton John impersonation voice. Then I was called to audition in front of the producer. He asked me what song I was doing and I told him, so he set it up and I sang. The only problem, my voice cracked again!!! I was very afraid at this point that that one crack would cost me getting into the show. The producer then set up the lower key version of the song, which I didn’t particularly like as much as the original, and my voice cracked in the same place!!! I tried the original version one more time and the crack was less severe. The producer then told me he couldn’t say I was going to Hollywood, but, a pre-recorded message then told me I was going to be in a show!!! I was extremely relieved. The producer then gave Danica and me a Fastpass each for any ride and we were on our way.

After that, I was told to come back at a certain time for make-up, vocal coaching and dress rehearsal. I was to be in the first show of the day, so I needed to be back shortly after the audition. When I got back, I met the other two contestants, two girls (one very young, 14 or so and the other much older, 22 or so). The American Idol people then had each of us do one of three things which were designed to take 10 minutes each: vocal coaching, make-up or just chilling in the green room with the ability to practice our songs more if we wanted (they provided more karaoke iPods). I did my vocal coaching first and it went pretty well. The coach could tell I didn’t need to work on any of the vocal aspects of the performance, so we worked on the stage presence part of it. She told me not to close my eyes or rock back and forth as I was doing while singing, all very good tips. After vocal coaching, I got to relax and sit in the green room for a bit, then I did make-up. The make-up artist had a lot of make-up on (Danica: I started laughing when I read this) but she was very nice, because I was the only male contestant in that show, I didn’t need a lot of make-up. She also left my hair, which by this time was a full bouffant (Danica: Read: Really Poofy!), alone but thought it was very nice, good as it was.

After make-up, I sat in the green room when a producer told me the show had to be cancelled due to technical problems. I was a bit bummed out, but then I was told I would be in a later show and felt better. I was to be in the 4PM show, so once again, they told me to come back at a certain time for just make-up and dress rehearsal, we wouldn’t be getting a second round of vocal coaching. I eventually found Danica and we decided to just go back to our awesome room until I had to be back. But before we left, as those of you who have already read Danica’s version of this trip report know, we did a bit of shopping at Villains in Vogue, where I bought a lot of Jack Skellington merchandise. I figured this was my vacation too, so I would treat myself to some Jack stuff, and I did - I most certainly did.

After getting back to Hollywood Studios, I made my way back into the green room to await my second application of make-up (I had taken off the first one because as a MAN (Danica: ), I was not going to walk around all day with make-up on, just kidding, of course). I got re-make-up-ed and waited around for dress rehearsal. This is when I first spoke to the host of the American Idol Experience. He (cannot remember his name) is a really nice guy and does his job very well. I felt comfortable on the stage and worked out a pretty active routine for the actual performance (i.e. a lot of arm gestures, walking back and forth across the stage, etc.). Then came the actual performance. I was pretty pumped when I heard the crowd cheer “Loooooooooooou” when the guy who gets the crowd pumped for the show said my name. I was third out of the three performers and when I first got out there, I did a little interview with the host. I told them that I worked on a boat called Codzilla and then they played me a video of the crowd going wild for me, cheering my name and a little girl telling me she was my biggest fan. It was sweet. I did my performance and the crowd seemed to love it because they were going nuts after I finished. The judges essentially told me not to move around so much and that I had a lot of potential in my voice and to let it out during the song. After that, the other contestants were brought out and the crowd voted……. ME THE WINNER!!!!!!!!! I was so excited, I got another pre-recorded video from Ryan Seacrest and I got to go onto to final show!!! I also want to thank Danica’s friends who came to the show and supported me – I really appreciated it!

After the show, I was told to come back, once again, for make-up only, there would be no dress rehearsal. As Danica and I were walking away from the AIE building, we somebody shouting for me, and it turned out to be this kid who wanted my autograph. Needless to say, I was flattered, and I happy obliged. I returned well in time and performed for the second time. Unfortunately, I did not win the finale show, but I thought the girl who did (and the older man who came in second) certainly deserved it. It was an odd feeling to say the least, I had lost and probably came in 3rd or 4th place, but I was still very happy with and proud of myself. All-in-all, it was an incredible experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I encourage anybody who can sing, or thinks they can sing, to try this, you won’t be disappointed.

 

[Goofy22]

Here it is! The long-awaited Lou's Version of the tale! He said he left out some of the stuff I already covered, so he could have it ready before I leave (I'm going to a seminar for school for the rest of the week)

My comments are in parenthesis, after my name.

Enjoy!


Lou:
After waking up, I knew I wasn’t going to eat anything, so I decide to just start getting ready. I had to warm up somewhere before the audition, otherwise, there was no way I was going to sound good enough to make it. So, I got into the shower and started doing some warm-up drills.

I do not quite know how to describe them, but they are essentially scales and modified scales with different vowels. After doing scale warm-ups for over 5 minutes, I started to sing my audition song, “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain. The reason I chose this song is because it highlights my baritone range perfectly, especially during the chorus. There was only one problem, when I got to the chorus, my voice would crack!!!!! Apparently it was so loud, and bad, that Danica could hear it from the kitchen. Needless to say, I was a bit worried, what if I cracked during my audition??? Anyways, when I got out of the shower, Danica gave me a look which essentially let me know that she heard the cracks too, so I took some honey and cough medicine before we left.

We got there a little later than we did the first day we went to Hollywood Studios, so the American Idol audition station was already inside the park. When we entered the park, we went right over to the station and I was asked if I would like to audition. I said yes and had to wait for one other girl in front of me. The set-up was pretty simple, just the singer and one judge who stood there and listened to you. I assume the girl in front of me did not make it, because I did not see her the rest of the day. It was my turn now, I introduced myself to the judge, who I must say was a pretty nice guy, and told him where I was from and where I went to school. After that, it was go time. I was still nervous because I didn’t know what was going to happen when I sang the chorus, but it was too late now. I either looked away from the judge or shut my eyes for most of the audition (I find it more embarrassing to sing in front of a small number of people and easier to sing in front of a large group). Apparently I nailed it because I was going to the next round of auditions!!!

The walk over was pretty cool, the man leading us was telling everybody, “Make way, American Idols coming through.” We got to see the park before anybody else was allowed in and made our way to the Coca-Cola lounge. There, we were treated to a pre-recorded message (there were a lot of these) from Ryan Seacrest. Next, we were given karaoke iPods to practice the song(s) we were going to audition with. I knew I was going to do “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” by the Temptations, so I was joking around, singing “Your Song” by Elton John (which was my second choice) in a funny Elton John impersonation voice. Then I was called to audition in front of the producer. He asked me what song I was doing and I told him, so he set it up and I sang. The only problem, my voice cracked again!!! I was very afraid at this point that that one crack would cost me getting into the show. The producer then set up the lower key version of the song, which I didn’t particularly like as much as the original, and my voice cracked in the same place!!! I tried the original version one more time and the crack was less severe. The producer then told me he couldn’t say I was going to Hollywood, but, a pre-recorded message then told me I was going to be in a show!!! I was extremely relieved. The producer then gave Danica and me a Fastpass each for any ride and we were on our way.

After that, I was told to come back at a certain time for make-up, vocal coaching and dress rehearsal. I was to be in the first show of the day, so I needed to be back shortly after the audition. When I got back, I met the other two contestants, two girls (one very young, 14 or so and the other much older, 22 or so). The American Idol people then had each of us do one of three things which were designed to take 10 minutes each: vocal coaching, make-up or just chilling in the green room with the ability to practice our songs more if we wanted (they provided more karaoke iPods). I did my vocal coaching first and it went pretty well. The coach could tell I didn’t need to work on any of the vocal aspects of the performance, so we worked on the stage presence part of it. She told me not to close my eyes or rock back and forth as I was doing while singing, all very good tips. After vocal coaching, I got to relax and sit in the green room for a bit, then I did make-up. The make-up artist had a lot of make-up on (Danica: I started laughing when I read this) but she was very nice, because I was the only male contestant in that show, I didn’t need a lot of make-up. She also left my hair, which by this time was a full bouffant (Danica: Read: Really Poofy!), alone but thought it was very nice, good as it was.

After make-up, I sat in the green room when a producer told me the show had to be cancelled due to technical problems. I was a bit bummed out, but then I was told I would be in a later show and felt better. I was to be in the 4PM show, so once again, they told me to come back at a certain time for just make-up and dress rehearsal, we wouldn’t be getting a second round of vocal coaching. I eventually found Danica and we decided to just go back to our awesome room until I had to be back. But before we left, as those of you who have already read Danica’s version of this trip report know, we did a bit of shopping at Villains in Vogue, where I bought a lot of Jack Skellington merchandise. I figured this was my vacation too, so I would treat myself to some Jack stuff, and I did - I most certainly did.

After getting back to Hollywood Studios, I made my way back into the green room to await my second application of make-up (I had taken off the first one because as a MAN (Danica: ), I was not going to walk around all day with make-up on, just kidding, of course). I got re-make-up-ed and waited around for dress rehearsal. This is when I first spoke to the host of the American Idol Experience. He (cannot remember his name) is a really nice guy and does his job very well. I felt comfortable on the stage and worked out a pretty active routine for the actual performance (i.e. a lot of arm gestures, walking back and forth across the stage, etc.). Then came the actual performance. I was pretty pumped when I heard the crowd cheer “Loooooooooooou” when the guy who gets the crowd pumped for the show said my name. I was third out of the three performers and when I first got out there, I did a little interview with the host. I told them that I worked on a boat called Codzilla and then they played me a video of the crowd going wild for me, cheering my name and a little girl telling me she was my biggest fan. It was sweet. I did my performance and the crowd seemed to love it because they were going nuts after I finished. The judges essentially told me not to move around so much and that I had a lot of potential in my voice and to let it out during the song. After that, the other contestants were brought out and the crowd voted……. ME THE WINNER!!!!!!!!! I was so excited, I got another pre-recorded video from Ryan Seacrest and I got to go onto to final show!!! I also want to thank Danica’s friends who came to the show and supported me – I really appreciated it!

After the show, I was told to come back, once again, for make-up only, there would be no dress rehearsal. As Danica and I were walking away from the AIE building, we somebody shouting for me, and it turned out to be this kid who wanted my autograph. Needless to say, I was flattered, and I happy obliged. I returned well in time and performed for the second time. Unfortunately, I did not win the finale show, but I thought the girl who did (and the older man who came in second) certainly deserved it. It was an odd feeling to say the least, I had lost and probably came in 3rd or 4th place, but I was still very happy with and proud of myself. All-in-all, it was an incredible experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I encourage anybody who can sing, or thinks they can sing, to try this, you won’t be disappointed.

Awesome update Lou!!!!!!! It's great to see it from your perspective! I can't believe I'm just getting on here to see this now! Also I was one of those People at the show that you won and you were really great! We had an awesome time and will probably do this again on our upcoming trip on december so my Mother n law who is coming can experience it! It was really fun for us to watch so I can't imagine how fun it was for those of you that actually got to participate!
Once again great job and great update!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Man I coulda swore I commented on Lou's update but clearly it was all in my head!

First of all, thank you Lou for adding your version to the TR. It was great hearing from you and congratulations on your AIE win! I like to pretend I'm a good singer.... my shower and car agree with me of course .... but it takes more guts than I have to sing in front of a crowd let alone a crowd that is judging your every note! So huge kudos to you!

Love the behind the scenes viewpoint and your descriptions of your full bouffant and make up is hilarious!

Hope to hear more from you!

 

[joy13]

All caught up! It was great hearing Lou's version of his experience - sounds like it was a wonderful day!

You got some really nice photopass pictures too!

 

[ZeroToHero]

So remember wayyy back on the first of October, when I said I’d try to have Magic Kingdom day updated soon? Yeah, well… life sort of got away from me.

But we’re good now! I’m going to try to get through all of the time we were at the Magic Kingdom, before we headed off to dinner.

So here we gooooo!

7:08 am - Lou is not very interested in waking up – I figure a few good camera flashes will help with that, right?

He doesn’t think so – the expression on his face tells all… yeesh!

So I run away to go have breakfast and get ready to go to… the Magic Kingdom! Our “full” day here! The plan was that we were going to spend the day there until we headed over to the Grand Floridian for dinner (with that surprise – remember that?) and then back to the Magic Kingdom for Extra Magic Hours.

We’ll see how that works out…

Anyway, as I’m eating my poptarts/bagel/yogurt, Lou comes out and starts getting ready as well – about time! (Just kidding…)

We got all set and headed out, catching the bus so that we were at the Magic Kingdom about a half-hour before opening. I loveeeee the opening to the Magic Kingdom – after I got home I spent several days trying to find the opening song. I finally had success, and so now I have it on my computer!

After they opened, we headed straight for Fantasyland, and thus, the rides that had huge waits on Tuesday when we got there.

That’s right. We rode Dumbo!

Just kidding! We didn’t cut off any little kids who dream of riding Dumbo… we headed for Peter Pan, and only had a few minute wait. I love Peter Pan – it’s a great ride, except that whenever I get in the boat, I bump my head off of the sail. I was good this time, and remembered, so I was okay! But other times – ouch.

After Peter Pan, we found the Sword in the Stone, and tried our hand at pulling it out. Lou had some… trouble, shall we say.

After determining neither of us was fit to rule England, we headed off to Snow White’s Scary Adventures - and guess which car we had? Yep, Dopey! I was happy, I love him and Grumpy. I pointed out the vultures that were similar to the ones in Star Tours and Splash Mountain – I never remember which ride the ones on Star Tours are based off of…

Then it was off to the Hundred Acre Woods, and my favorite Winnie the Pooh scene – the rainy day! I love how the words drip off the page, and all the “water” effects in the room. I didn’t shut up though, pointing out all those things, along with Mr. Toad giving the deed to Owl because of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride– I have a feeling Lou tuned me out right about there so he could just enjoy the ride.

After Winnie the Pooh, we decided to head over the Tomorrowland and do some rides there, since we hadn’t been yet. We started off with Buzz Lightyear – want to see our scores?

The first one is mine, the second is Lou’s. Hehehehe. I ALWAYS cream him at this.
We went on again after that, and those scores seem to have…. disappeared… (aka -He beat me that time… but then we went on again later… and you’ll see….) Since the line was getting long, we grabbed a Fastpass for a later ride.

Off we went to the Laugh Factory! I wanted Lou to be “that guy,” but I figured they usually pick a father, so I didn’t have high hopes.

It was reallyyyy empty though, so who knew. I didn’t think people were going to text in jokes, since it was so early, so I was racking my brain for one. Finally I came up with “What do you call a 300-pound monster with claws?” Answer: “Whatever he wants!” And then I signed it Danica. I should have, in hindsight, signed it Lou. Oh well. On with the show!

So we sit down, and they start doing those little funny things – the guy who had to get up and dance didn’t do it at first, but then he started going crazy, dancing in the aisle, and it was HILARIOUS. He looked like a biker… it was sooooo funny, I was dying laughing. And I think they spotted me because of that… because during Buddy Boil’s “mind-reading psycho” act, he decided he wanted to work with… moi!

Oh god… I had the microphone brought over to me, I said my name was Danica, and he closed his eyes and told me to pick a number, and say it out loud. After all, he couldn’t hear me, his eyes were closed. Then after he finally opened them, he had me concentrate on sending it to him, and then he told me to put my fingers on top of my head, wiggle them, and say this nonsense phrase. Lou said afterwards he didn’t think I’d do it, but I did, and after I was done laughing, I look up, and “Buddy” is standing there, jaw dropped, eyes wide. He said “You’ve done that before!!!” Oh man – I cracked up. “Yep!” I said.

So Buddy went off, and on came Mike’s nephew, Marty!

And Marty had some jokes sent in by you, the audience! First up – a joke from Danica! Wait.. didn’t we just see her? Spotlight’s back on me… and he said “Danica, why don’t you tell the punchline? Danica texted in, ‘What do you call a 300-pound monster with claws?'”

Me: (thinking “don’t mess up, don’t mess up”) “Whatever you want! Wait. No! Whatever HE wants! Oh man…” At this point, I just started nervously laughing and put my face in my hands…

So he goes to the next people and asked them if they knew the punchline to their joke – luckily they didn’t! So I didn’t look quite as bad… ish. Oh well… haha. It was a great memory - and I’m sure the actors laughed about it afterwards.

We were about to go to the Carousel of Progress, but it wasn’t working, so we decided to do the Astro Orbiter instead – I got a lot of great sideways shots of things… ugh. Lou just tried to keep the little rocket as high as he could while I snapped photos:

At some point (it may have been now, but I don’t have photos), we did make it back to the Carousel of Progress, but it was so bad – they kept interrupting to tell people to sit down, and the people near me were taking flash photos – I was getting really mad, but finally he stopped.

We headed back to Fantasyland, where we got a Sweet Cream Pretzel from Scuttle’s Landing, and sat for a bit to enjoy that – it was good, but not as good as Dole Whips!

We decided that since we were in Fantasyland still, and the only ride we hadn’t done that we’d like was the Mad Tea Party, we might as well do it. It didn’t have that long of a line at all, which was good. By the way – Lou learned that I love spinning the teacup fast – and he just wasn’t cutting it. So I took over – and was feeling a little sick afterwards, I will admit. But it was totally worth it!

Our Fastpasses for Buzz were ready, so back we went to Tomorrowland… Lou should have just stopped while he was ahead. I CREAMED him!

Mine:

His:

See? Wicked excited. Haha!

Since we had finished everything good in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, it was off to the other side of the park to play! And by play, I mean… learn historical facts in Liberty Square! I explained about the dates on the doors, and the shutters, and the urine trough in the middle of the road… fun, educational things like that!

Continued in next post!

 

[ZeroToHero]

Well – Lou wanted one thing. To play in the shooting range.

And that’s what he did after we left the Trading Post pin store – where I got a lot of my Christmas shopping done! Yay! I got my sister the set of Club Penguin “Puffle” pins, my dad a Yacht Club pin, Lou got a Nightmare pin, and I got myself a Saratoga Springs Pin. We also got a Haunted Mansion bust hidden mickey pin for only a dollar – that was really cool! It was some promotion they had – and they only had one left – the rest were these triangle pins that weren’t as neat.

We went and got a Fastpass for Splash Mountain, since we figured we’d want to go on it later, since it was getting pretty hot. But first, we were rarin’ for sum good old grub from Cookie’s wagon! And by that, I mean we went to Pecos Bill’s for lunch! Lou got pulled pork, and I got the Taco Salad… and by Taco Salad… I mean… this.

I went a littttttleeeeeeee overboard on the Cheese Sauce! But it was soooo good!

Even if it does look like throw up. Gross.

After lunch, it was time to go on Splash Mountain! The Standby time said 10 minutes, but that was sooooo a lie. I am glad we got the Fastpasses, even if the return time was 40 minutes from then. I would have rathered gotten lunch in those 40 minutes than wait in line. I did feel bad though – that was one of the few times I felt bad using Fastpass, because I wondered how many people thought the wait really was 10 minutes.

The boat kept stopping, so I was able to get a few good photos without flash for once:

After Splash Mountain, we were in the adventurous mood, so we headed off to explore Tom Sawyer Island! Well. That’s a lie. I wanted to do Big Thunder Mountain, but didn’t want to wait, so we got Fastpasses and then decided to go to the island. This is a hidden gem, it really is. I love it, even if Aunt Polly’s is NEVER open, and the water fountains are gross.

We really take our time here – we sat down near the Haunted Mansion and took photos (get ready to laugh).

We explored every trail there is, along with all the caves, and then headed up to Lookout Point, where I look like Sam Eagle:

After that, we headed over to the Fort, and played a nice, wholesome game of checkers. Well, that is, until I lost. If the board wasn’t on a barrel, I would have flipped it. I was winning right until the end!!!!

After Lou went up to the towers and played with the fake guns a bit more, we headed back to the mainland. Turns out that Big Thunder Mountain wasn’t working. So I waited about 5 seconds, decided to give up on waiting for it to be fixed, since we had gone on it on Tuesday, and headed over to the Haunted Mansion. Again, I “took some photos of tombstones” to fill all available space, and I actually got photos of Madame Leota’s tombstone with the eyes open and closed:

The ride was as creepy as ever (Did I mention how I HATE those heads popping out of the tombstones! But other than that, loveee it!), and the wait wasn’t bad at all. We never did get to go on the Liberty Belle, which I was pretty sad about. But we did get to go to the Hall of Presidents – and I actually paid attention this time! It was good, and I teared up a bit… and then we went to the gift shop! Lou had seen this Presidential Poster that he wanted – it has all the presidents on it, and one of the funniest parts is that Nixon is being a creeper in the background, with his hand on someone else’s shoulder, just smiling. That was worth the 15 bucks for Lou. I bet it’s still rolled up though…

After that, we headed over to Adventureland for… what else? Dole Whips!!! Well.. first we got a Dole Whip. And then Lou decided he wanted to try a Citrus Swirl. Don’t do it! It’s just a soft-serve Creamsicle, and totally not worth the snack credit…

After those, we were in a swashbucklin’ mood, so we headed back to Pirates!

And you know what? For once, this ride scared me. First, I was so mad, because people kept taking photos, even though the ride CM came over the speaker at least 3 times to tell them to stop. They didn’t. So I was not in a good mood… and then came the unloading part, where I got scared. This woman got off the boat in front of us, and then collapsed right into the wall by the trashcan. I don’t know if she fainted, or tripped, or what, but she went down. I wasn’t sure if we should go help her, but I knew that the CMs had it under control, and I didn’t want to get in the way and cause a scene… I really hope she was okay!

I think we went back on the Jungle Cruise here – and had a reallyyyy lame skipper compared to Jonathan from the first day. I did not enjoy it as much as I enjoyed his, and neither did Lou. So we were like “meh” after that, and decided to walk through the giant stores on Main Street. We tried on hats, posed with statuettes, and just enjoyed outselves in the air conditioning – that was nice.

And then I decided that I wanted Lou to get a Silhouette. I had gotten one earlier, and it was awesome, so I wanted one to put in the scrapbook – I should have gotten it done when I had mine done. I am glad it wasn’t that much, because JEEZ. He had a neck like a giraffe, (along with this little point sticking out) and a back like Quasimoto… don’t believe me about how terrible it is? Here:

Mine was amazing compared to this, and I already thought mine was pretty good…

It was nearing time to leave, so we finished looking around on Main Street (We went in Arribas Brothers – wow! Really neat, really expensive things there…), and headed out. Mickey had a message for us though:

I was crying when we left – looking back at that castle and knowing that’s the last time you’re going to see it that close for a while is a sad feeling.

But now we had a dinner with Cinderella to get to!

However… I think I’ll be stopping here. Does this reallyyyy long update suffice as an apology to everyone about how long I’ve been gone? I’m so sorry!!!!!

However, before I go, I do have news. Sunday night (last Sunday) I decided to try for the College Program again. I’m not going to be as crushed if I don’t get in this time – I won’t be getting a consolation trip again, haha. We’re just going to go see the Christmas Carol instead. We’re going to see it either way, actually. But this way makes sure.

I did the application and passed the web interview on Sunday, which allowed me to call and set up a phone interview. I called Monday and set up the interview for Tuesday. So that’s all done, and I think I did okay… now I just have to wait and see. I know I have so much at school, and I don’t know if I can drop everything if I get in, but I’d like to think that I have a chance this time.

We’ll see. I’ll report back when I find out! But either way, I’ll be going to Disney next year, whether it be for work or to be with my family.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Yowsers! What an incredible update!

We haven't done a park opening in four trips but you got a lot done already in your morning in Fantasyland. Makes me almost want to consider a park opening..... almost.

Man I suck at Buzz... I'm still sticking with my car had something wrong with it, do do do...

Your Laugh Factory experience was too funny! I love where you have to pick out a number and then to come back to your joke too... bwaaaahaaa

I really like your Astro Orbiter pics, I'll have to try that!

Mmmmm cream cheese pretzel... can't wait to try that, salty cream cheese... mmmmmm....

Tea cups... barf!

Lou with Zurg... not a happy camper are we?

I'm super hungry right now and that taco salad-o-cheese looks devine! I loooooove cheese

Tom Sawyer Island! I've never been and I really wanted to in August. Pout. Argh! I really REALLY have to go now!

Four trips and I still haven't had a dole whip! So many new things left to do! Guess I'll have to go again!

Yikes with the Pirates lady! You need a do-over

Mmmm, Lou's silhouette is a tad unusual.. you'll have to get a profile pic of him the same and do a side by side!

We made an extra special purchase in Arribas Brothers in DTD... next up in my TR!

Good luck with the college program!!!! Fingers and toes crossed! ....and wahoo to your next trip!

Excellent update!

 

[ZeroToHero]

Thank you!!!! And ooo.. you better get updating then, so I can find out what it is!!!!

 

[Goofy22]

Danica,

What a great update I think it suffices! I know what you mean about leaving the park for the last time! . Can you believe I leave in 5 days to get on the road to Kindani Village it seems like it flew bye! I'm not even done my Aug/Sept TR I think I have 2 days left! I have to get that done I planned on doing some this weekend but got to busy to!!
I really hope you get in to the College program that would be to cool!
Good luck with that and make sure you come back and let us know how you did!

 

[jenseib]

I love your updates. Thanks! I was wondering what happened, but figured you got busy with school.

 

[ZeroToHero]

Yeah, school has been crazy these past few weeks - between finals and all these papers suddenly getting assigned, I haven't had time to write a few pages up about the trip.

By the way, I love the picture of Claire on the carousel!!! That's so cute!

 

[BelleBway]

I haven't even checked the disboards in forever so I can't believe my luck to check right after a new update! LOL

I'm actually working on posting my own trip report on my site... finally...